A recent article by Vincent Standley, posted on the National Geographic Green Guide web site, provides a step-by-step description of how to replace your furnace filter with a better, more permanent filter. The cost is under $100 for the filter, homeowners can do the change out themselves, and it will greatly improve the quality of the air inside the house, reducing allergies and other annoyances. Not to mention the fact that a permanent filter reduces the amount of disposable filters that end up in landfills.
Here is a pared down version of the instructions Standley gives:
1. Turn off power to the furnace, either at the circuit breaker or the furnace switch itself.
2. Vacuum around the base of the furnace, where the air intake is (this may vary per furnace model). Lightweight material near the intake can get sucked in, reducing the air flow.
3. Remove the existing filter. The location may be different for each model of furnace. Remove the access panel from the front or side of the furnace (this may require a screwdriver). Remove the filter, noting the position, especially the direction of arrows indicating air flow. Inspect the filter for dust and dirt build-up.
4. Determine if the filter can be reused. Cardboard frames indicate that the filter is meant to be disposed of. Replace it with a filter of similar size approximately every three months. Plastic or metals frames mean that the filter can be reused. The filter mesh should be vacuumed, then sprayed with water and allowed to dry. Torn filters should be replaced.
When replacing a filter, either disposable or reusable, there are lots of options in price and quality. Usually the cheaper, the less “stuff” the filter will catch, meaning more contaminants in the air. Filters are rated with what is called a MERV factor: the higher the number, the better the filter. Filters with a MERV factor between 7 and 13 are best, as they are considered as effective as a HEPA filter. Note that when using higher MERV factors, you may notice a reduction in the amount of air coming out of your furnace. This is normal, due to the fact that the air is passing through more resistance with the improved filter mesh.
5. Vacuum out the furnace area that is reachable through the access door. Use vacuum attachments to extend your reach as far as possible. If you feel comfortable doing so, remove some of the furnace parts to get to those hard to reach areas.
6. Install the new or cleaned filter, return the access panel, and turn on power to the furnace.
That’s it, you’re done! Do this about every three months to keep your indoor air as clean as possible and improve the efficiency of your furnace.
Dawn,
I am writing in regards to the article that you wrote entitled “Greening Up Your Existing Furnace”. I think it is great that you are trying to help people save money on their existing systems but a couple things in your article are of great concern to me.
1- In tip #4 you mention that you should replace your filter approximately ever three months. This is a common misconception mainly due to filter manufacturers with “Laboratory test” that say good for three months. The Average homeowner should check their filter every month. Dirty Filters have been the cause of carbon monoxide deaths in some states, so please have them check them monthly.
2- In tip #4 you also mention that better filters will help to get more contaminants out of the air stream. This is true BUT one thing a lot of people do not understand is that it slows down the air ( as you stated) but this means it can take twice as long sometimes to heat and cool your home, how green is that? The average duct system is not designed for thick filters which in turn will kill your equipment faster.
3- This is the part of the article that disturbs me the most. You tell the customer that if they feel comfortable to remove parts of the furnace to do so. Did you know that certain parts of the furnace if you put them back together wrong they can actually cause an explosion? Taking parts out of the furnace should be left in the hands of trained and certified professionals. Instead of telling your home owners to do this themselves you should have them look for certified NATE contractors in the local area.
If you have questions for articles in the future please feel free to contact me for any information that I may be able to find for you.
Joey Lowe
JLowe@GundlachCo.com
Indoor Air Quality Advisor
Gundlach Plb & Htg
(804)-288-1951
http://www.GundlachCo.com
Dawn,
I am writing in regards to the article that you wrote entitled “Greening Up Your Existing Furnace”. I think it is great that you are trying to help people save money on their existing systems but a couple things in your article are of great concern to me.
1- In tip #4 you mention that you should replace your filter approximately ever three months. This is a common misconception mainly due to filter manufacturers with “Laboratory test” that say good for three months. The Average homeowner should check their filter every month. Dirty Filters have been the cause of carbon monoxide deaths in some states, so please have them check them monthly.
2- In tip #4 you also mention that better filters will help to get more contaminants out of the air stream. This is true BUT one thing a lot of people do not understand is that it slows down the air ( as you stated) but this means it can take twice as long sometimes to heat and cool your home, how green is that? The average duct system is not designed for thick filters which in turn will kill your equipment faster.
3- This is the part of the article that disturbs me the most. You tell the customer that if they feel comfortable to remove parts of the furnace to do so. Did you know that certain parts of the furnace if you put them back together wrong they can actually cause an explosion? Taking parts out of the furnace should be left in the hands of trained and certified professionals. Instead of telling your home owners to do this themselves you should have them look for certified NATE contractors in the local area.
If you have questions for articles in the future please feel free to contact me for any information that I may be able to find for you.
Joey Lowe
JLowe@GundlachCo.com
Indoor Air Quality Advisor
Gundlach Plb & Htg
(804)-288-1951
http://www.GundlachCo.com
Joey,
Thanks for your comments. I agree with them all. No one should attempt any mechanical work they do not have knowledge about. It can be dangerous for the equipment, and, as you said, even dangerous for themselves.
As far as filters go, from what I’ve seen in the general retail market, slowing down the air flow isn’t going to be too much of a problem. Unfortunately, most of the filters provided by the box stores and discount retailers aren’t that great to begin with. All the more reason to change them more regularly. Also, furnaces with reusable filters often have even worse filtration factors. Newer units, of course, will provide better filters. But, even as of three years ago, reusable filters in name brand units were only MERV 8.
Thanks again for the insights and the recommendations.
Dawn
Joey,
Thanks for your comments. I agree with them all. No one should attempt any mechanical work they do not have knowledge about. It can be dangerous for the equipment, and, as you said, even dangerous for themselves.
As far as filters go, from what I’ve seen in the general retail market, slowing down the air flow isn’t going to be too much of a problem. Unfortunately, most of the filters provided by the box stores and discount retailers aren’t that great to begin with. All the more reason to change them more regularly. Also, furnaces with reusable filters often have even worse filtration factors. Newer units, of course, will provide better filters. But, even as of three years ago, reusable filters in name brand units were only MERV 8.
Thanks again for the insights and the recommendations.
Dawn